Which antibiotic would you use for gonococcal conjunctivitis?

Which antibiotic would you use for gonococcal conjunctivitis?

• A. Cephalexin
• B. Ceftriaxone
• C. Cefdinir
• D. Cefazolin

Answer: (B)

Gonococcal conjunctivitis is caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae, which requires a drug with reliable activity against gonococcus and good penetration into ocular tissues. A third-generation cephalosporin given systemically fits this need, and ceftriaxone is the best example because it effectively treats gonococcal infections and addresses the risk of possible dissemination. It provides strong activity against Neisseria gonorrhoeae and reaches the eye well, making it superior to regimens that rely on other cephalosporins with weaker activity against gonococcus or poorer tissue penetration. Other options listed do not offer reliable activity against N. gonorrhoeae, so they’re not appropriate for gonococcal conjunctivitis. Often, clinicians also consider treatment for potential Chlamydia coinfection, but the reason ceftriaxone is chosen here is its proven activity against gonococcus and its systemic coverage critical for this infection.

Gonococcal conjunctivitis is caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae, which requires a drug with reliable activity against gonococcus and good penetration into ocular tissues. A third-generation cephalosporin given systemically fits this need, and ceftriaxone is the best example because it effectively treats gonococcal infections and addresses the risk of possible dissemination. It provides strong activity against Neisseria gonorrhoeae and reaches the eye well, making it superior to regimens that rely on other cephalosporins with weaker activity against gonococcus or poorer tissue penetration.

Other options listed do not offer reliable activity against N. gonorrhoeae, so they’re not appropriate for gonococcal conjunctivitis. Often, clinicians also consider treatment for potential Chlamydia coinfection, but the reason ceftriaxone is chosen here is its proven activity against gonococcus and its systemic coverage critical for this infection.